Improving standards in Mansehra: Nazim sets up forum to improve education

Pledges to bring public sector schools at par with private institutes

MANSEHRA: District nazim Sardar Said Ghulam has said the administration will launch a voluntary campaign to improve the standard of education in public sector schools. The cooperation of various stakeholders will be sought, he said while speaking to journalists at his residence on Sunday.

Ghulam said the ambiguous policies of the education department have affected the standard of education. “Therefore, improving the education sector will be my top priority.”

The mechanics of it

While elaborating on the education reforms campaign, Ghulam said as part of the plan, a 30-member education forum will be formed which would comprise MNAs, MPAs, educationists, reformers, lawyers, researchers and officials of the education department. He added recommendations of this forum would help meet the objectives of the campaign.

“We have to work proactively and take steps without waiting for resources.” He expressed his disappointment over the policies of the education department, calling them harmful for the future of students.

The district nazim said, “The department’s policy of promoting 90% students from the primary to middle-school level has devastating effects on both the future of students and the education system.” He was of the view students who are passed without having the requisite learning then get stuck at the Secondary School Certificate level which has a negative impact on their careers.

He maintained, “We will not allow this policy to continue anymore and have already submitted an application to education department officials asking them to put an end to this practice.”

On the occasion, Ghulam also pledged to bring the public sector schools at par with private institutes in terms of education standard and facilities. He added a concerted movement would be launched in the district involving parents, Parent Teacher Councils, elected representatives and volunteers to enrol more students in government schools for the new academic year. “Efforts would be made to ensure enrolment of those students who clear the entry test.”

He told journalists the district administration will also consider taking legal action against parents deliberately keeping their children away from school without a valid reason.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 7^th, 2016.